Data from a Trial Trench Evaluation at Illet's Farm, Brackley South Cutting, Northamptonshire, 2018 (HS2 Phase One)
Connect Archaeology, High Speed Two Ltd., 2025. https://doi.org/10.5284/1129091. How to cite using this DOI
Data copyright © High Speed Two Ltd. unless otherwise stated
This work is licensed under a The Open Government Licence (OGL).
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Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 4755
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1129091
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
Project Summary
This collection includes reports, images, spreadsheets, and site record data from a trial trench evaluation conducted at Illet's Farm, Brackley South Cutting, Northamptonshire, as part of the High Speed Two (HS2) project. The evaluation took place on an 8.7ha parcel of land to the northeast of Brackley, covering parts of three agricultural fields. The work was carried out from November 1st to December 3rd, 2018 by Connect Archaeology for Fusion-JV on behalf of HS2 Limited, as part of the enabling works for the HS2 rail link Phase One.
A geophysical survey had previously been carried out to inform the HS2 Environmental Statement HS2 ES (HS2 ES Volume 5: Appendix CH-004-014). Anomalies including two rectilinear enclosures, smaller enclosures, subdivisions and pits were identified along the eastern part of the site. Many of these corresponded with earthworks identified during a LiDAR survey. A possible Romano-British temple was previously excavated near Sundale, immediately adjacent to the site. A total of 35 trenches were excavated to target these anomalies and to test otherwise clear areas within the site.
The full aims and objectives of the evaluation are outlined within the Project Plan for Trial Trench Evaluation at Illet’s Farm, Brackley South Cutting, Northamptonshire (Doc 1EW03-FUS-EV-REP-CS07_CL12-0001909). In summary, they were to confirm the presence/absence, extent and depth of any surviving archaeological remains, as well as to determine the nature, date, condition and state of preservation of any archaeological remains. Where appropriate and feasible, the evaluation aims to suggest measures for further archaeological investigation to mitigate identified significant impacts, and the works were intended to contribute to the delivery of the identified GWSI:HERDS specific objectives.
Of the total 35 trenches excavated, 13 contained archaeological features which represent the site of a Roman rural settlement, primarily occupied during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, with a possible earlier origin during the Late Iron Age. Romano-British, Iron Age and medieval pottery were recovered from the site.
Re-Use Value Statement
The dataset contributes to the overall HERDS objectives of Phase One of the HS2 development. The components the data set include site photography, scans of the original paper archive and the reports produced as part of the deliverables for the project. The inclusion of this information allows the archive to be revisited should this be necessary. The dataset also forms an important part of the HS2 development and further work and may contribute to future contextualisation of the archaeological and historical remains across the entirety of the development. The digital archive and reports may prove valuable for any future development in the surrounding area.
